Goaltending is obviously the biggest area that needs improvement in the organization and I fully expect Peter Chiarelli and the management team to explore all options to upgrade that position.

This year’s free agent goalie crop is relatively weak with maybe only one starter potentially in the mix.

The type of goaltender that the Oilers should target in a trade is someone 24-28 years -old, 6’3’’ tall and ready to grab the reins and become a number one.

I would be hard pressed to give up the Pittsburgh pick (16th overall) though for a goaltender like this…

Do you think the Oilers stay at 16 or move the pick? Is the goalie Samsonov a realistic option?

— Bill in Calgary

Bill,

If the Oilers don’t trade this pick, there are several different options at 16.

There has been a real trend over the last few years not to take a goaltender that high in the draft, so I don’t see the Oilers stepping up and taking Samsonov there.

Given that the Oilers are getting a potential franchise centre with the first-overall pick, many assume that they should draft a d-man at 16. I am NOT of that mindset. I see three forwards that could be in the mix.

1. Timo Meier:

If Timo Meier were to drop out of the top 15 he would merit serious consideration for the Oilers at 16 as well.

2. Joel Eriksson Ek:

Joel Eriksson Ek is a 6’2’’ Swedish centre who moved up Craig Button’s list and the Redline Report at the end of the season. Eriksson Ek is a rangy, skilled pivot who is still developing but I will be interested to see where he goes in the draft.

3. Evgeny Svechnikov:

Evgeny Svechnikov is a 6’2’’ Russian winger who also played a little C in Cape Breton and might be available mid-first round.

Hey Bob,

What are some realistic options when it comes to improving the defence? Would the Oilers try the offer sheet route or would they move picks for a guy who can play now? What about the UFA market?

Thanks!

— Liam in Grand Prairie

Liam,

Given the Oilers situation on defence, I again expect Peter Chiarelli to exhaust all options to improve an area of weakness in the organization.

An RFA offer sheet is a mechanism that can be deployed to immediately improve a hockey team.

This year’s free agent crop for defence is not the deepest but if the Oilers do add a D, my guess is that it will be a right shot.

Bob Stauffer is Colour Analyst on the Oilers Radio Network and Hosts “Oilers Now” each day Noon to 2:00 PM Monday thru Friday on 630 CHED and you can follow him on Twitter at @Bob_Stauffer